UNMASKED

Hippodrome,

Fountainhead School,

Surat, Gujarat, India.

Monday,

9th February,

2026.

Raw, Real & Honest Voices

UNMASKED

Raw, Real & Honest Voices

We’ve mastered the art of looking okay.We know how to sound confident before we feel it, stay distracted instead of dealing with what’s inside, and meet expectations while hiding our doubts.That’s why this year’s TEDx theme is Unmasked.These talks explore the things we rarely say out loud — fear of failure, identity struggles, validation, friendship, pressure, and the uncertainty of growing up.Not polished success stories, but real ones.Because when the mask comes off, we don’t just hear stories — we recognize ourselves.

Before we learned who we are, we learned who to be.Confident. Strong. Successful. Fine.In trying to become all of this, we drifted away from being honest — about our fear of failure, our need for validation, the pressure of being the “good child,” and the confusion of finding ourselves in a room full of mirrors.This year’s TEDx theme, Unmasked, is an invitation to return to that honesty.Through stories of art, friendship, distraction, nostalgia, uncertainty, and self-discovery, our speakers don’t present perfect journeys — they share real ones. Unfiltered, unfinished, and deeply human.Because sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is remove the mask we didn’t know we were wearing.

Fountainhead

School

 

Learn more

Fountainhead School, Surat: Where Curiosity Takes Flight
Nestled amidst lush green surroundings on the outskirts of Surat, Fountainhead School stands as a beacon of progressive education. Established in 2008, this co-educational day school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, fostering inquiry, creativity, and global mindedness at every stage of learning.

Beyond Academics:

Global Connect: Through international collaborations and exchange opportunities, students gain exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives—preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.

Sustainability in Action: A strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and environmental awareness nurtures responsible, future-ready citizens who understand the impact of their choices.

Technology & Making: Technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday learning, enhancing digital fluency. The Maker’s Lab further amplifies STEM exploration, encouraging students to design, build, experiment, and innovate.
A Philosophy that shapes learners, guided by the vision of “Nurturing leaders through character & competence,”

Fountainhead School:

  • Prioritizes intellectual exploration alongside personal growth

  • Cultivates a stimulating, diverse, and inclusive learning environment

  • Prepares students not just for exams, but for life in a globalized world at Fountainhead, curiosity isn’t just encouraged - it takes flight.

A Haven for Holistic Learning:

Curriculum: The IB program empowers students to become independent learners and critical thinkers, focusing on a balance of academics, creativity, and personal development.

Facilities: Spacious classrooms, well-equipped labs, a dedicated library, and outdoor play areas foster a conducive learning environment.

Activities: A plethora of extracurricular activities like sports, music, theatre, and debate nurture diverse talents and interests.

Community: A strong emphasis on student-teacher relationships and a supportive peer environment ensure individual growth and well-being.

Achievements and Recognition:

Consistently ranked among the top schools in Gujarat & India.

Awarded for innovative educational practices and outstanding student achievements.

Fosters a community of well-rounded individuals equipped to excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and beyond.

What does this mean?

Fountainhead School, Surat is the perfect fit for a child. With its commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and global citizenship, Fountainhead School provides a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

TED-Ed Student Clubs

and

TEDx Events

Imagine a vibrant community where curiosity ignites creativity and ideas take flight. This is the essence of both TED-Ed Student Clubs and TEDx events, platforms fostering the power of ideas and public speaking. But within this shared mission, distinct pathways emerge, each catering to your unique stage of inspiration.

Choosing your

path

Think of your journey as climbing a ladder to inspiration. The TED-Ed Student Club serves as the sturdy base, where you build your foundation and refine your skills. As you climb, your ideas gain shape, confidence blossoms, and the time comes to share them on a broader stage. That's when TEDx beckons, offering the platform to illuminate your message and potentially inspire the world.

TED-Ed Student Clubs

Think of them as the launchpad for your ideas. Here, you'll find a supportive environment where exploration reigns supreme. You'll join fellow learners, regardless of experience, to delve into workshops, activities, and presentations. This is where you hone your public speaking skills, experiment with diverse topics, and gain the confidence to take center stage. As your ideas evolve, they may even take flight on the TED-Ed Student Talks platform, reaching a global audience.

TEDx

Now, envision yourself under the spotlight, delivering a polished talk that resonates with a wider audience. This is the realm of TEDx events, carefully curated platforms mirroring the renowned TED Talks. Here, your voice amplifies, carrying your message further than ever before. But reaching this stage requires a well-developed, impactful talk that connects with your chosen audience. Remember, TEDx is the showcase, where your passion and expertise shine through.

But this couldn't have been possible without...

OUR TEAM

Chaahat Dhall

Organizer (Licensee & Curator)

Hetvi Dadawala

Ambience & Entertainment Director

Hazel Noronha

Ambience & Entertainment Director

Priyang Naik

Narrative & Creative Director

Aum Desai

Narrative & Creative Director

Sakshi Singh

Narrative & Creative Director

Pooja Soni

Logistics & Operations Director

Nisha Patel

Logistics & Operations Director

Speakers (3.0)

Click on the speaker's topics to listen to their TED TALKS

The volcano inside me

It's not over, until I win

The 'Good Child' Lie

Need for validation

The person you never meet

Stop pretending to be fine!

We were kids; A story about nostalgia and connection

What we don't say

Art isn't where I go when I am broken, I go there when I am my most.

Jack of All Trades, Master of None!

What failure taught me

Dance is more than just Movement

Unmasking the fear of failure

My Kurukshetra in a turbulent world

The Story of Icarus.

Unmasking Distractions: How 'Brainrot' Culture Pushes Teens Into Last-Minute Survival Mode

Unmasking real friends

I learned how to sound confident before I feel confident

Future/Career choice and the uncertainty of it.

A room full of mirrors (finding identity in reflections)

The Declining Value of Art & Artists

Speakers (2.0)

Click on the speaker's topics to listen to their TED TALKS

Transforming life through words

Chasing Change: How Adaptability Became My Strength

The Ocean

The Crisis of Unhappiness

Evolve or Repeat

Change

From Rejection to Redirection

The art of self-validation and its contribution to success

Laziness

The Physics of Self: Learning to Shine on Your Own Terms

The anatomy of calm: A guide to mastering emotional regulation and food habits

Sustainability

Magic of Networking

FS TedEd Student Club

Fountainhead School Takes Flight with TEDEd Student Club!

For a month, 22 curious minds at Fountainhead School embarked on a remarkable journey: the TEDEd Student Club! This vibrant group not only explored ideas worth sharing, but also connected with international peers in Turkey, igniting a spark of global dialogue.

Their adventure began with identifying their passions, diving into research, and shaping their thoughts into compelling TED-style talks. Guided by the spirit of curiosity, they honed their research skills, developed captivating narratives, and practiced the art of public speaking. ️ 

The culmination of their efforts was truly inspiring. Not only did they submit their ideas to the prestigious Great Ideas Quest, but the nine most outstanding young mavericks were chosen to take center stage at the TEDx event!

This is more than just a club; it's a launchpad for future leaders and communicators. ‍ The Fountainhead School TEDEd Club fostered critical thinking, nurtured confidence, and empowered students to share their unique perspectives with the world. They learned to translate their passion into action, proving that ideas have the power to connect, inspire, and spark change.

TEDEd Student Club Speakers 3.0

(February 2026)

TEDx (3.0) Preparation

Stage Presence Masterclass:

A focused Stage Presence Masterclass designed especially for our final TEDx speakers to help them own the stage with confidence and clarity. The session will work on voice, body language, movement, and audience connection to make their talks truly impactful. A must-attend to transform a good talk into a powerful TEDx performance.

TEDEd Student Club Speakers 2.0 (March 2025)

Seasoned TED-Eders Mentor the Next Generation:

Our students nearing the end of their TED journey transformed into mentors! They shared valuable feedback on topic choices and offered insights into their own experiences, guiding a new generation of TEDx mavericks from Turkey.

Blown Away by Young Minds:

Our students were amazed by the innovative ideas presented by their Turkish peers, from "Why do heroes always defeat the villain?" to "Will AI conquer the world?". These young minds are definitely ones to watch!

Cultures Collide in 5 Minutes of Fun:

The exchange went beyond ideas! The session ended with a whirlwind of cultural exchange, fostering connections and celebrating diversity in just 5 minutes.

This international collaboration wasn't just a session, it was a spark of global understanding and inspiration! Are you ready to join the TED-Ed adventure?

Create websites and popups for free with Pagecloud website builder